High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This high protein cottage cheese pasta sauce offers a creamy, flavorful alternative to traditional pasta sauces. Combining the richness of cottage cheese with savory turkey sausage and fresh herbs, it’s a nutritious and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 10 oz (300 g) chickpea pasta, or your favorite high-protein pasta
• 2 cups (400 g) cottage cheese
• 1 cup (250 g) tomato sauce, passata
• 6-8 fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• ¾ lb (350 g) turkey sausage, cut into bite-size pieces
• ⅓ cup (30 g) Parmesan, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1-2 cups of the pasta cooking water before draining.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, place the cottage cheese, tomato sauce, and basil leaves in a blender. Blitz until smooth, then set aside.
3. Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
4. Step 4: Add the turkey sausage to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
5. Step 5: Stir in the blended cottage cheese sauce and heat through gently.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it.
7. Step 7: Stir in the grated Parmesan and fresh parsley. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan on top if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Try substituting turkey sausage with chicken sausage or plant-based sausage for different flavor and dietary preferences.
• If you don’t have a blender, you can finely mash the cottage cheese and stir it with the tomato sauce and chopped basil.
• Adding a pinch of chili flakes when sautéing the onion and garlic will give the sauce a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover pasta and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain creamy consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of chickpea pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer. Chickpea pasta adds extra protein and fiber, but regular pasta works just as well with this sauce.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

It’s best to freeze the sauce and pasta separately if you plan to freeze the meal. The pasta may become mushy when thawed and reheated if frozen cooked together.

High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 51 reviews

This High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce recipe offers a creamy, nutritious twist on classic pasta dishes by incorporating cottage cheese and turkey sausage for a protein-packed meal. Featuring chickpea pasta and a flavorful tomato basil sauce, it’s a delicious and satisfying option for those seeking a healthy, high-protein dinner.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 10 oz (300 g) chickpea pasta, or your favorite high-protein pasta

Sauce and Mix-ins

• 2 cups (400 g) cottage cheese
• 1 cup (250 g) tomato sauce, passata
• 6–8 fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• ¾ lb (350 g) turkey sausage, cut into bite-size pieces
• ⅓ cup (30 g) Parmesan, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chickpea pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 7-9 minutes. Reserve 1-2 cups of pasta water before draining the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the cottage cheese sauce: While the pasta is cooking, place the cottage cheese, tomato sauce, and fresh basil leaves in a blender. Blitz the mixture until smooth and creamy. Set this sauce aside.
3. Sauté onions and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely diced onion and chopped garlic cloves, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
4. Cook the turkey sausage: Add the bite-sized turkey sausage pieces to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
5. Combine sauce and cook through: Pour the blended cottage cheese sauce into the skillet with the turkey sausage and vegetables. Stir and allow to heat through gently over medium-low heat.
6. Toss with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to combine. If the sauce seems too thick or dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
7. Finish with cheese and herbs: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Adjust salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. Serve immediately: Serve the pasta hot, topped with extra grated Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired for garnish.

Notes

• Use chickpea pasta or any high-protein pasta for an added protein boost.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency for a creamier texture.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the turkey sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
• Fresh basil and parsley enhance flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted if needed.
• Serve immediately for best texture and flavor; leftovers can be reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: high protein pasta sauce, cottage cheese sauce, turkey sausage pasta, healthy pasta recipe, chickpea pasta, high protein dinner